Strengths:
Power Incline For More Effective Workouts - Incline (not the same as resistance) increases the workout slope of the elliptical path. This helps you burn more calories and target different muscle groups.
The 990 elliptical comes with Power Incline - which means you don't have to get off the machine to adjust the incline manually. You just press a button while working out and the elliptical adjusts to your chosen incline.
Folds Up To Save Space- While many treadmills fold up, there are very few elliptical trainers that fold (and still feel stable). If you don't have a lot of room to workout, the 990 comes in handy since you can just fold it up and away when done.
iPod Port With Built In Sound System - You can plug your iPod or MP3 player into the console audio jack and listen to your favorite music through the speakers built into the console. This alone can make your workouts a lot more enjoyable
Workout With Jillian Michaels From the Biggest Loser - The 990 elliptical comes with an iFit card reader. iFit cards contain 8 weeks of interactive workouts on each card.
Each card has a specific goal focus - weight loss or performance for example. You just plug the card into your console, the machine remembers where you left off and starts you on the next workout.
You get the voice of a personal trainer talking you through your workout. Nordic Track has teamed up with Jillian Michaels (the personal trainer on The Biggest Loser) to make iFit cards with her coaching you through Jillian's specially designed workout.
20 Personal Trainer Workouts, 2 Heart Rate Workouts and 2 Learned Programs - In addition to the iFit card workouts, you also get 20 pre-designed workouts including 2 programs based on your heart rate and 2 that you can customize yourself.
Instead of scrolling through all your different workout options, each workout has it's own button and diagram, making it easy to choose the one you want.
Bright Backlit Console - The Console on the 990 is bright and easy to read your workout stats. This is important because some non-backlit consoles can be very hard to read, especially if lighting in your workout area is limited. You also get a 4-speed fan built into the console to keep you cool.
Weaknesses:
While the Nordic Track 990 does have some great features, it's still an economy elliptical. The warranty is a bit short however you can buy extra coverage at checkout.
Summary: Recommended
The Nordic Track Audiostrider 990 elliptical offers some great features that many buyers look for these days including the iPod/Mp3 dock with built-in speakers, lots of personal trainer workouts and power incline to work different sets of muscle groups.
It also folds to save space and was given a "Best Buy" rating by Consumer Reports.
While it's not a commercial grade machine, overall it offers good value for the price.
Where To Buy At A Discount:
You can get the Nordic Track 990 elliptical direct from the Manufacturer. They're currently throwing in Free Shipping which will also save you about $150.
With it's power incline you can change the slope of your elliptical path. This helps to crosstrain different muscle groups giving you a more effective workout.
Other fun stuff includes an iPod dock with built-in speakers and an iFit card reader where you can play workouts designed by Jillian Michaels' (from the TV show 'The Biggest Loser').
It also folds up to save space, making it handy for smaller home gyms.
So is it the right buy for you? Here's a review of the Nordic Track 990 elliptical to help you decide:
Features:
Price: $849 (Sale)
Stride Length: 18"
Resistance Type: Magnetic
Resistance Levels: 15
Built In Workout Programs: 20
Upper Body Arms: Yes
Heart Rate Monitor: Pulse Grip
Water Bottle Holder: Yes
User Weight Capacity: 325 pounds
Footprint: 26" x 77"
Warranty: Lifetime on Frame, 1 year on Parts & Labor
